ACOutCom -2147467259 (80004005)

Problem:
I am getting the following error message when Outlook 2003 is opened up from being completely shut down and then clicking the new button:

ACOutCom
Run-time error '-2147467259 (80004005)' Method '~' of object '~' failed.

TEMP Solution:
Try removing word as your default editor.

Tools --> Options --> Mail Format

Uncheck the box: Use Microsoft Word as your Default Editor

Permanent Solution:
The ACOutCom error occurs because you are using an ActivCard Gold 3.0 smartcard
reader, Outlook, and using Word as your email editor. There is a conflict in
the Outlook certificate and the ActivCard software. Disable the unnecessary Outlook Security Icons in ActivCard and the error goes away:

Insert your SmartCard into the ActivCard reader.

Open up ActivCard Gold Utilities (Right click on the ActivCard Icon
running in the bottom right hand corner of your screen (next to the clock)
and choose OPEN -or- Go to Start/Programs/ActivCard Gold/ActivCard Gold
Utilities)

Go to Tools/Local Policies

Scroll down to the "Add Outlook Security Icons in the compose e-mail
window" policy. Click "Properties". Choose the "Disabled" setting, and choose
OK.